Japan signs Metro Manila subway deal during Abe's PH visit

Its strategic location in the region is the reason why the Philippines plays a crucial role in confronting challenges such as maritime security, terrorism and the North Korean missile issue.

President Rodrigo Duterte and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on November 13 during their bilateral meeting in Manila witnessed the exchanging of notes for establishment of coast watch radars to increase the Philippine anti-terrorism capabilities in West Mindanao for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Abe said the worldwide community should create an environment that will pressure North Korea to start dialogues with other countries and change their policy. The Japanese prime minister visited the Philippines to attend the 31st Asean Summit and Related Meetings held in Manila.

During the East Asia Summit the other day, Abe announced that Japan will extend up to 15 billion yen (P6.8 billion) in assistance to improve the peace and order situation in Southern Philippines, including Sulu and the Celebes Sea.

"Through these endeavors, we want to promote the free and open Indo-Pacific strategy which we advocate", he said.

"We want to make the Indo-Pacific an worldwide public good in order to strengthen the free and open maritime order based on the rule of law, to create an global public good [and] to provide safety and prosperity to all nations", he said.